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14. Risk Factors

A variety of factors can raise the risk of developing gout. Comorbidities include diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and diseases of the heart and kidneys. Low-dose aspirin, thiazide diuretics for hypertension, and anti-rejection medications for organ transplants can increase uric acid levels.

Excess weight causes the body to produce more uric acid and makes the kidneys work harder to eliminate it, raising a person's risk. Additionally, a family history of gout makes it more likely to develop the disease. Men deal with gout more often than women and tend to develop it earlier in life.

x-ray foot Stephane Noiret / Getty Images

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